The defence closes its case in the trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife at Newry Crown Court, where they face sexual offence charges. According to reports, Jeffrey Donaldson’s barrister tells the court that no further evidence will be called. Earlier in the proceedings, it is reported that the 63-year-old has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. The court process continues after the defence concludes, with the trial moving to the next stage following the submission of the defence case. Coverage across outlets focuses on the point at which the defence formally ends its evidence rather than on any additional details of the allegations or witness accounts. The reporting indicates the matter is ongoing at this stage, with the outcome not yet determined at the time of the articles.